The Inmate Drug Testing Unit oversees the inmate random drug testing program, substance abuse program drug testing and “for cause” drug testing for all correctional facilities statewide. Inmates are chosen at random for substance abuse program drug testing based upon a random computer-generated selection system. Selection of inmates for “for cause” drug testing is based upon reasonable suspicion of involvement with drugs or alcohol. Drug testing enables the Department to detect and identify inmates using illicit drugs, including abuse of prescription drugs and/or alcohol. Drug testing has been recognized as highly effective in identifying offenders who have substance abuse problems, getting them into treatment, and monitoring them during the treatment process. The Office of the Inspector General conducts unannounced drug interdiction operations by searching employees, visitors, inmates, vehicles and areas on department grounds for contraband.

Youthful Offender (YO) Population

Court Ordered Youthful Offenders
(F.S. 958.04(1))

Department Designated Youthful Offenders
(F.S. 958.11(4))

Inmates with emotional/physical vulnerability
(F.S. 958.11(6))

Total Population

Total

1,321

2,885

3

4,209

Section 958.04, F.S., authorizes the court to sentence as a
youthful offender any person:

Who is at least 18 years of age or who has been transferred
for prosecution to the criminal division of the
circuit court pursuant to chapter 985;

Who is found guilty of or who has tendered, and the
court has accepted, a plea of nolo contendere or guilty
to a crime that is, under the laws of this state, a felony if
the offender is younger than 21 years of age at the time
sentence is imposed;

Who has not previously been classified as a youthful offender
under the provisions of this act; and

Who has not been found guilty of a capital or life felony.

Section 958.11(4), F.S., authorizes the Department to classify
as a youthful offender any person:

Who is at least 18 years of age or who has been transferred
for prosecution to the criminal division of the
circuit court pursuant to chapter 985;

Who has not previously been classified as a youthful offender
under the provisions of this act;

Who has not been found guilty of a capital or life felony;

Whose age does not exceed 24 years; and

Whose total length of sentence does not exceed 10 years.

In addition to the above, s. 958.11(6), F.S., authorizes the
Department to assign inmates 19 or younger (except capital
or life felons) to youthful offender facilities if the Department
determines that the inmate’s mental or physical
vulnerability would substantially or materially jeopardize
his or her safety in a non-youthful offender facility.